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HNC Computing (Level 4) — Full-time

Course outline

This HNC is perfect if you want to gain hand on skills to work in the field of Business Analyses, Software Development, Data Analytics, Network Engineer, Cyber Security.

If you are passionate about computing and want to develop practical skills for a rewarding career in the IT industry, this HNC course is ideal for you.

You will learn about various aspects of computing, such as programming, analysis, design, computer architecture, networking, business communication, database design and professional practice. You will also explore how to apply these skills to real-world scenarios and projects.

Some of the units you may study are:

  • Programming: Learn how to design, implement and test software solutions using different programming languages and paradigms.
  • Networking: Understand the principles and technologies of computer networks and how to configure, manage and secure them.
  • Professional Practice: Develop your professional skills and knowledge of the IT sector, including ethical, legal and social issues.
  • Database Design and Development: Create and manipulate databases using various tools and techniques, such as SQL, ERD and normalization.
  • Security: Learn how to protect data and systems from cyber threats and attacks, using encryption, authentication and firewall methods.
  • Software Development Lifecycles: Understand the different stages and models of software development, such as waterfall, agile and scrum.
  • Strategic Information Systems: Analyse the strategic role of information systems in organizations and how to align them with business objectives and processes.

    Nottingham College is proud to have been awarded the Teaching Excellence Framework Bronze Award for high quality student experience and outcomes. You can read more about this on the Office for Students website.

    How to apply for this course

    Entry onto this course is via UCAS. Alternatively, if you are interested in applying directly to us, you can choose our fast track application option below.

    Fast track application
    • Institution code: N30
    • UCAS code: 12CC
    UCAS

    Want to find out more first?

    Would you like more information? Email our HE team.

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    Location Date Fees / reductions
    111 Canal Street
    Nottingham
    NG1 7HB

    Start: Monday 15th September 2025

    The tuition fee is per year.

    Various bursaries are available for some Higher Education courses.

    Tuition fee: £8,250

    Course code: C018204 / Q018205

    Qualification

    Pearson HNC Computing

    Duration

    1 year

    Level Level 4
    Entry requirements

    You’ll need a minimum of 64 UCAS points from:

    • At least two A Levels at A2
    • BTEC Diploma or Extended Diploma
    • International Baccalaureate
    • Access to HE Diploma

    Other combinations of qualifications and experience will also be considered, as will Level 3 qualifications not currently listed on the UCAS tariff. For creative courses you would usually need a qualification in a relevant subject area.

    We would expect students to be working at (or to demonstrate competency at) Level 2 or above in English/literacy and maths/numeracy.

    Mature applicants with relevant professional experience and/or qualifications are welcome to apply.

    Teaching & assessment

    Assessment is 100% coursework using a variety of assignments, case studies, practical tests and phase tests.

    Progression

    The HNC and HND qualifications are valuable credentials that equip students with the practical skills and knowledge they need to pursue a variety of careers in related fields.

    If you complete the HND successfully, you will have the opportunity to further your education by topping up your qualification to a degree at various universities. The level of entry (eg. second or third year of a degree) will depend on the university you choose the modules you have studied and the grades you have achieved at HND.

    Related courses

    About the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)

    The TEF is a national scheme run by the Office for Students (OfS) that aims to encourage higher education providers to improve and deliver excellence in the areas that students care about the most: teaching, learning and achieving positive outcomes from their studies.

    Learn more about the TEF